Sip warm water or tea
Take slow, deep breaths through your nose
Use honey if you are over 1 year old
Suck on lozenges or hard candy
Stay upright and avoid lying flat
Use a humidifier or steam from a warm shower
Avoid smoke, dust, strong scents, and cold air
Drink plenty of fluids
Try controlled coughing: inhale slowly, then cough once or twice
Use prescribed cough medicine only as directed
Treat the cause if you have asthma, allergies, reflux, or postnasal drip
Seek medical care if coughing is severe, lasts more than a few weeks, or comes with trouble breathing, chest pain, fever, or coughing up blood